Widow’s cycle of life tribute for cancer victim hubby
Sophie and her kids A WIDOW is raising thousands of euro for charity in memory of her late husband.
Cyclists from the UK hit Co Cork at the weekend to raise funds and awareness for brain tumour research.
Ride4simon, was organised by Sophie Oldacres in memory of her late husband who died of brain cancer in December 2016 aged 37.
In 2013, Simon was diagnosed with a glioblastoma – an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.
He left behind Sophie and their two young children, Joseph and Esther.
Sophie, from Wiltshire, said: “Simon was a keen cyclist, and post-diagnosis a good cycle was his equivalent to counselling.
“He even rode to many of hospital appointments, which was always recorded in the oncologist’s notes because it was so unusual.”
With a mother from Skibbereen, Simon grew up in the UK but spent many happy holidays in Co Cork.
Ride4simon Ireland takes in nearly 155 miles of Co Cork countryside over two days.
Sophie said she felt Cork was the perfect place for the challenge.
She added: “We thought it would be nice to go to the areas Simon played as a child and spent some of his happiest days.” Sgt Stubby: An Unlikely Hero The real Sgt Stubby Sgt Stubby and soldier A DECORATED dog is revealed this week as an extraordinary hero of World War One.
Stray mongrel Stubby was smuggled into Europe by an American soldier, served in 17 battles, saved lives in the trenches and even captured a prisoner.
His heart-warming story is told in the epic animation Sgt Stubby: An Unlikely Hero which opens in cinemas on Friday.
Featuring the voices of Logan Lerman, Gerard Depardieu and Helena Bonham-carter, the movie was part financed with €3million from Cork investors.
Stubby was described as anything from a pit bull to a Boston terrier.
Adopted in 1917 by soldier Robert Conroy he was shipped to Europe in an overcoat aboard USS Minnesota to become the mascot of the 102nd Regiment, 26th “Yankee” Division.
Award-winning film maker Richard Lanni was working on a documentary on America’s involvement in WW1 when he came across Stubby and as he dug deeper, was captured by the dog’s story.
He said: “It also shares an important, life-altering message about animal adoption with kids. It is also a fun way to interest them in history.”